Chapter Text
It had been long since coming, and Spencer knew it. In fact, maybe they all knew it. Maybe they all had expected him to crack the way he did, with his mom being so ill and all, it was no wonder that he just could not handle the pressure. But for what the rest of the team was only a few days, to Spencer and Derek, changed their whole world. It started off with Spencer’s night terrors becoming worse and worse. He would come into work with dark circles under his eyes, and his light brown hair which was usually gelled back, dirty and unkempt. Even though he always wore professional clothing, it looked as though he had just thrown it on instead of like he was a man going to work.
Then it became more apparent, the sudden jumps when anyone came near him, the lack of sociability. Even with Agent Rossi, he had become withdrawn and colder. Spencer always worked very hard, doing his best for the team, and while none of their eating and sleeping habits were great, it was starting to show that Spencer was taking that to the next level. The whole team was worried, especially Penelope and JJ, but they knew that if they asked him, Reid would tell them he was okay. It wasn’t that he was lying per say, more that he just didn’t know how to tell them the truth. Spencer had always been an anomaly, and it was no different than any other time. He just needed some time to himself he thought, or at least he convinced himself.
He spent a lot of time on his own. That was the way he liked it. It was safe. After more than ten years as a BAU agent, Spencer had his fair share of both visible and invisible battle scars. But when he was alone, he almost did not feel the soreness they had left behind.
He thought it would be ok. He thought if he just kept trying; eventually, he would feel better. Despite his optimism, it never seemed to. The migraines and the headaches only got worse. But nobody knew that, of course. Nobody but Derek, and Spencer hadn’t even been the one to tell him. Derek had just always been more intuitive, and when it came to members of his team, Derek’s deep brown eyes were always watching.
When Spencer had been admitted to the hospital, it was no surprise that Derek was the one to get the call. As soon as he had assured the team he would be okay alone, Derek was on the first jet back to Washington D.C. After flashing his FBI badge to the nurse, he was led straight back to Spencer’s room, but the nurse stopped him at the door and instead pointed to the window where both could see in. Derek was shocked by what he saw. There was the great Spencer Reid, the best mind on the team, sitting on the bed trying to eat his own foot.
It was enough to make even Agent Derek Morgan stop. He looked to the nurse, searching for answers. Seeing his searching glance, the nurse answered him, “We think he fell down the stairs and it caused a stress induced regression. However they’ve probably been happening for long before now, and he’s just hidden it very well.”
“What does that even mean?” He snapped. He put his hand on the glass window. Spencer looked up and grinned boyishly, but his eyes were foggy and had lost their light. “Basically it means he has the mind of a baby due to stress and overstimulation.”
“Oh. Will Reid ever go back to the way he was?”
“With time. He has moments of lucidity, but so far they have been short lived. The doctor should be in soon to tell you more about treatment options. For now, you should go in and see Mr. Reid.”
Derek thought about correcting Reid’s title, but looking at him, Derek didn’t see the point. Carefully the nurse opened the door and ushered him in. Spencer grinned wider, Derek was surprised to see his smile so big. It felt like it had been years since he had seen the kid laugh. He took a calming sigh and sat next to the hospital bed. Spencer squirmed around on the bed, almost entirely ignoring Derek’s presence. Derek looked down at his hands and rubbed them together. “Hey kid, it’s Morgan, it’s Derek. Are you there, buddy?”
Spencer looked up and blinked. His eyes became clearer, and immediately he sat up and put his legs on the side of the hospital bed. He brushed the hair from his eyes. “Where am I? Did I miss my flight?”
“Only by a bit, kid. You’re in the hospital. You had me worried,” Derek smiled. It was so comforting to see a glimpse of the Spencer he knew and loved. Spencer just shrugged sheepishly. Just then there was a quick knock on the door, the doctor was there. He was grim faced but had gentle eyes. He motioned for Derek to follow him, out of the room. As Derek followed behind, he turned to give one last look to Reid, but the nurse was already helping him lay down. Embarrassed, Derek realized why they were leaving the room.
The doctor wasted no time. “Hello, I’m here to explain that there is nothing physically wrong with Dr. Reid that we can medically treat.”
Derek stared at Reid through the window, “You’re calling this normal?”
“What’s wrong with him now is a mental reaction to stress. Nothing more. I would advise him to find someone to stay with him, and for him to take better care of himself. Besides that, there is nothing else we can do. He can be checked out as soon as he is ready.” Derek turned back to the window and stared at Spencer for a long time. The wheels of his mind were turning. As long as Reid would let him, Derek was intent on taking care of him. He watched Spencer sucking on his hand, obviously in another regressive period. The nurse was just finishing changing him. Derek felt his heart break and then swell again, his poor little doctor.
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